Simmons believes in Saints

St Helens coach Royce Simmons has defended their recent performances, as they prepare to face Huddersfield this weekend.

Saints were pipped on the hooter at home to Catalan last week by one of the greatest tries in Super League history, following on from a 36-36 draw at Hull KR the week before.

The Australian, who is now in his second season at the club, believes that too many negative comments have been made.

He said: “Everyone wants to hang everyone. You’re not at the top of your game but you’re not that far away from it and you get all this negativity.

“You lose a couple in a row or whatever, two three in a row, this happens, you’ve got to believe in your players you’ve got to tell them you believe in them and I’ve told them this week I believe in them. I believe in every one of them.”

One casualty of the past fortnight appears to be winger Jamie Foster, who has been left out of the 19-man squad for the clash with the Giants on Sunday.